Cascade Conference Adds Two Universities

Jun 18, 2014

LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Cascade Collegiate Conference Council of President's approved membership applications for Walla Walla University and Multnomah University today during their annual business meeting, according to Commissioner Rob Cashell. Both schools are scheduled to begin CCC competition during the 2015-16 season.

"We are very pleased to admit both WWU and MU," stated Council of President's chair Dr. Bob Davies. "Both institutions have shown through the application process and in our review, a commitment to intercollegiate athletics and the student athlete experience."

With WWU and MU approved for membership, it brings the conference’s full member total to eleven beginning fall of 2015. The Cascade Conference currently has ten member schools in Oregon, Washington and Idaho but Concordia University has applied for NCAA D II membership and likely will be with the CCC only through 2014-15.

"Gaining in membership has been a key focus the last couple of years for our conference," added Cashell."Our desire is to be at 12 full members in our Pacific Northwest footprint."

Walla Walla University, located in Walla Walla, Wash., is already an NAIA member and has competed as an independent. The Wolves currently sponsor men's and women's basketball, volleyball, softball, men's soccer and are in the process of adding men's and women's golf.

"Walla Walla University is pleased to join the Cascade Collegiate Conference," stated WWU President Dr. John McVay. "This partnership will provide our student athletes with superb opportunities to polish their skills in the company of others who strive for excellence in both sport and character."

Multnomah University, located in Portland, Ore., is a current member of the National Christian Colleges Athletic Association and will be making application to the NAIA in September of this year with hopes of gaining membership by April of 2015. The Lions currently sponsor men's basketball and volleyball and will be adding several new varsity sports this fall, including women's basketball, men's soccer, men's and women's golf and men's and women's cross country. MU's approval for membership in the CCC is contingent upon NAIA admission.

“It is a great honor for Multnomah to be accepted into the Cascade Collegiate Conference,” said Dr. Wayne Strickland, interim president of Multnomah University. “We could not be more pleased to be associated with such a prestigious conference, and we look forward to building lasting and meaningful relationships. Joining the CCC greatly boosts the overall excitement we’re building around our athletics department and intercollegiate programs, and we believe the partnership is beneficial for the growth of our university. As we now turn our efforts toward joining the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, we are humbled and thankful for the CCC’s vote of confidence and support.”

Formed in 1993 as an NAIA-affiliated conference, the Cascade Collegiate Conference has evolved into one of the NAIA's most formidable leagues. The CCC sanctions championship competition for men and women in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, track and field, along with baseball for men, and softball and volleyball for women.